Page 78 of Savage Heart

DANE

The sun dips below the horizon as I stand over Bulldog’s lifeless body sprawled on the ground. A pool of blood slowly spreading around his head tells the story of his betrayal and execution.

“Damn traitor,” I mutter under my breath, giving the body a disdainful kick. I turn to King, who is standing nearby, just as angry. “We need to find out who else is involved.”

King nods, his dark gaze never leaving Bulldog’s corpse. “I agree, brother. We can’t afford any more...” his voice trails off as he waves a hand over his VP.

Some of the club members move forward to take care of Bulldog’s remains. King walks into the clubhouse. We continue through to the back rooms and settle down at the worn wooden table. It is a place where countless decisions have shaped the fate of this MC.

“Who do you think could be next?” King asks, leaning back in his chair and lighting a cigarette.

I rub my chin thoughtfully, my mind racing with possibilities. Every member of the Savage Angels is under suspicion now. Trust is a fragile thing, easily shattered by greed or fear. “I don’t know, brother. But we need to find out. Fast.”

“Yeah.” King exhales a plume of smoke. “But we can’t just go accusing people without evidence. That’ll cause chaos, and we’ve got enough problems as it is.”

“True. “But we can’t let this slide, either. If there’s anyone else working with the Abruzzis, they need to be dealt with. Permanently.”

King meets my gaze. “You mean...”

“Eliminate them,” I confirm, my voice cold and resolute. “It’s the only way to protect our club and families.”

“Right.” King takes a final drag of his cigarette before crushing it in an ashtray. “We’ll start digging into everyone’s background to see if we can find any connections to the Abruzzis. We’ve gotta be careful, though. We don’t want to tip off anyone who might be guilty.”

They have to tread carefully in this dangerous game of loyalty and betrayal. But I can’t shake the nagging feeling that time is running out, and more blood will be spilled before this war with the Abruzzi family is over.

Folding my arms across my chest, I say, “Let’s get to work. No matter what it takes, we’re gonna root out any traitors in our midst and send a clear message that nobody messes with the Savage Angels MC.”

***

I’m sitting in a chair near the bed Dirt is sleeping in. He winces as he shifts into a sitting position. The pain from the gunshot wound must feel like a hot poker. He grits his teeth, swallowing down the groan which threatens to escape his lips.

“Hey, Dane.” Dirt struggles to keep his voice steady. “Any news on Bulldog’s connections?”

“Nothing concrete yet.” I move my chair closer to his bedside. “But we’re working on it.”

“Good.” Dirt takes a shaky breath.

His cell phone rings, and I pick it up. “It’s Lore. Do you want to take it?”

“If I don’t, she’ll keep ringing.”

Smiling, I answer the call and hand it over to Dirt. “Hey, babe.”

I can’t hear her, but he’s nodding and smiling.

“Better than ever,” Dirt lies smoothly, wincing as he shifts in bed again. “Just out on the road with the guys, taking care of some club business.”

He looks at me, and I shake my head as he smiles and nods as though she can see him.

“Hey, don’t worry about me,” he reassures her, forcing a chuckle. “You know me, always landing on my feet.” Dirt glances at me and then says, “Same here, Lore.”

I laugh as she’s obviously telling him she loves him, and he’s uncomfortable saying the words back with me in the room.

“Always,” he says before ending the call.

“Want some advice, brother?” Dirt nods at me. “Tell her what happened to you before she finds out. There’ll be all kinds of hell to pay if you don’t.”

***

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